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DaGGSTT 
An  Eulogium. 


AN 

COMMEMORATIVE  OF  THE 

EXALTED    VIRTUES 

OF 

HIS  EXCELLENCY 

ROGER  GRISWOLD, 

LATE  GOVERNOUR  OF  THIS  STATE. 
WRITTEN    AND    DELIVERED    AT    THE    REQUEST    OF    THE 

<©merai[  %^^tm\Ai?, 

On  the  29th  of  October,  1812; 

AND    BY    THEM    DIRECTED    TO    BE    PRINTED. 


BY  DAVID  DAGGETT, 

■A  ' 

A  MEMBER  OF  THE  COUNCIL. 


NEW- HAVEN, 

PRINTED  AND  SOLD  BY  WALTER  ii'  STEELE. 


1S12. 


^■y 


This  Eulogium,wrUlen  in  the  few  hours  intervening  between 
the  request  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  the  time  appointed 
for  the  services  of  the  day,  under  the  combined  pressure  of 
the  business  of  the  writer  in  the  Legislature  and  of  his  profes- 
sional employment,  is  presented  to  the  public  as  delivered* 


Jt  a  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  holden  at 
J\i''civ- Haven,  hi  said  State,  on  the  second  Thursday  of  OctO' 
ber   1812  : 

OiiDERED,  That  the  Honourable  Elizur  Goodrich,  and 
Ivlessrs.  HuBBAUD,  Caldavell,  and  A.  Smith,  return  the 
thanks  of  this  Assembly  to  the  Honourable  David  Daggett, 
for  the  Eulogium  this  day  delivered  by  him  in  Testimony  ol" 
Respect  to  the  Memory  of  His  Excellency  Governour  Gris- 
woLD,  the  late  Chief  Magistrate  of  this  State  ;  and  request  a 
Copy  thereof  that  it  may  be  printed. 
A  true  Copy  of  record, 
Examined  by 

THOMAS  DAY,  Secretanj. 


CoMMirfEE  Room,  ) 
Oct.  30,  1812.       \ 
Dear  Sir, 

It  gives  us  pleasure  to  present  to  you  the  inclosed  or- 
der of  the  General  Assembly,  with  their  thanks  for  the  excel- 
lent Eulogium,  delivered  by  you  yesterday,  commemorative 
of  the  exalted  Worth  of  His  Excellency  the  late  Chief  Magis- 
trate of  this  State.  In  soliciting  a  copy  of  it  for  the  Press, 
we  unite  our  personal  wishes,  with  those  expressed  by  the 
Legislature. 

We  are.  Dear  Sir,  very  respectfully, 
Your  humble  servants, 

ELIZUR  GOODRICH, 
ELIJAH  HUBBARD, 
JOHN  CALDWELL, 
AARON  SMITH. 
Hon.  David  Daggett. 


JVeiu-Haven  Oct.  30,  1812. 
Gentlemen, 

I  have  received  your  polite  letter,  inclosing  a  resolution 
of  the  General  Assembly,  and  expressing  their  thanks  for  the 
Eulogium,  delivered  by  their  order,  with  a  view  to  commem- 
orate the  exalted  Worth  of  His  Excellency  Governour  Gris- 

WOLD. 

I  transmit  to  you  a  Copy  of  it,  in  compliance  with  your  re- 
quset,  made  in  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly, 
And  am  with  sentiments  of  respect  and  esteem, 
Your  humble  servant, 

DAVID  DAGGETT. 
Hon.  Elizur  Goodrich,  and  Messrs.  Hub-> 
hard,  Caldwell,  and  A.  Smith.  \ 


€ul00mm. 


My  Fellow  Citizens, 

GOVERNOR  Oris  WOLD  died  at  Norwich  on 
the  last  Lord's  day  at  two  o'clock  in  the  af- 
ternoon. About  the  time  of  the  evening  sacrifices 
of  the  various  religious  assemblies,  while  prayers 
were  ascending  from  many  hearts  for  the  restoration 
of  his  health,  his  spirit  departed  to  the  realms  of 
immortality. 

The  General  Asssembly,  penetrated  with  a  sense 
of  the  pre-eminent  worth  of  this  distinguished  cit- 
izen, appointed  a  respectable  Committee  to  attend 
the  funeral  solemnities.  In  behalf  of  the  Assembly 
they  have  witnessed  his  interment.  His  body  is  in 
the  grave,  there  to  remain  "  till  these  heavens  shall 
be  no  more." 

We  are  now  assembled  to  offer  another  tribute  of 
respect  to  his  memory.     The  place,  the  assem- 


6 

blagc,  the  occasion,  the  solemn  display  of  militai'y 
mourning  just  now  witnessed,  and  the  still  more 
solemn  address  to  the  throne  of  grace,  conspire  to 
arrest  our  whole  attention,  and  fill  us  with  sacred 
awe. 

An  affection  better  felt  than  described  for  the  de- 
ceased while  living,  and  for  his  memory  since  his 
death,  has  induced  me  to  appear  in  this  place,  and 
to  attempt  a  faint  eulogy  of  his  numerous  virtues. 

Roger  Griswold  was  born  at  Lyme  in  this 
State,  on  the  21st  of  May,  1762.  His  father,  the 
Honou rabie  Matthew  Griswold,  was  for  many 
years  Lieutenant  Governour  of  the  State,  and  Chief 
Judge  of  the  Superior  Court.  In  1784  he  was 
chosen  Governour. 

His  mother  was  the  daughter  of  the  Honourable 
Roger  Wo^cott  of  Windsor^  who  was  for  a  long 
period  Governour,  and  highly  respected  for  his  tal- 
ents and  virtues. 

The  descendant  of  these  venerable  ancestors  has 
not  sullied  their  fair  fame,  but  added  to  it  a  new 
lustre,  and  more  indelibly  stamped  immortality  on 
their  names. 

He  was  educated  at  Yale  College^  where  he  gra- 
duated in  1780.  In  1783  he  was  admitted  to  the 
bar,  where  he  remained  an  ornament  to  the  profes- 
sion, and  full  of  business,  till  removed  by  his  fel- 
low citizens  to  a  higher  sphere  of  action. 


In  1794  the  Freemen  of  the  State  chose  him  a 
representative  in  Congress.  This  place  he  fiilcd 
for  the  period  of  ten  years,  with  high  honour  to 
himself,  and  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  many  em- 
inent men  in  the  nation. 

In  1801  he  was  appointed  by  President  Adams 
Secretary  of  War,  which  office  he  declined. 

In  1807  he  was  appointed  a  Judge  of  the  Superi- 
our  Court. 

In  1809  the  Legislature  chose  him  Lieutenant 
Governour,  which  office  he  held  till  May  1811, 
when  by  the  suffrages  of  the  Freemen  he  was  ele-» 
vated  to  the  office  of  Governour. 

To  these  several  exalted  stations  he  was  cal- 
led by  the  voice  of  the  people.  He  sought  no  ele- 
vation. No  man  enjoyed  a  more  enviable  and  hon- 
ourable popularity  than  Governour  Gr  is  wold,  for 
no  man  courted  it  less.  He  wished  for  popularity, 
for  no  good  man  is  insensible  to  it ;  but  it  was  "  that 
popularity  which  follows,  not  that  which  is  run  af- 
ter—that popularity  which  sooner  or  later  never 
fails  to  do  justice  to  the  pursuit  of  noble  ends  by 
noble  means." 

Nature  was  peculiarly  liberal  in  the  endowments 
of  the  body  and  mind  of  our  lamented  friend. — 
From  tlie  time  of  his  collegiate  life,  to  the  month  of 
January  1807,  he  was    a   monument  of    health. 


8 

His  body  was  uncommonly  vigorous.  It  seem- 
ed to  the  human  eye,  eapable  of  the  severest  ac- 
tion ;  and  possessing  a  mind  ahke  vigorous,  present- 
ed a  happy  iUustration  of  what  the  ancients  deno- 
minated the  greatest  earthly  blessing,  "  a  sound 
mind  in  a  sound  body." 

In  January  1807,  while  arguing  a  cause  of  great 
expectation,  and  which  had  engaged  his  faculties 
and  drawn  forth  high  exertions,  he  was  suddenly 
seized  with  a  disease,  which,  in  a  moment,  prostra- 
ted one  of  the  noblest  human  fabrics.  To  this  dis- 
ease he  gradually  yielded  till  death  closed  the 
scene. 

During  its  continuance,  he  was  the  subject  of  suf- 
ferings almost  unequalled.  His  situation,  especial- 
ly for  the  last  eighteen  months,  has  been  such  as  to 
have  subdued  a  less  vigorous  mind  and  body.  The 
frequent  returns  of  paroxysms,  which  seemed  more 
to  resemble  the  agonies  of  dissolving  nature  than 
ordinary  disease — the  recollection  of  a  young  and 
numerous  family  of  children,  looking  to  him 
with  the  tender  reliance  of  children  on  a  father,  for- 
ever kind,  forever  affectionate — the  weight  of  a  high 
and  solemn  public  trust,  demanding  the  prudence, 
the  firmness  and  the  wisdom  of  the  soundest  fac- 
ulties, conscious  that  the  eyes  of  the  State  were  fix- 
ed on  him  in  this  hour  of  unprecedented  embar- 


9 

rassment — all  these  combined,  could  not  fail  to  pro- 
dtice  the  most  painful  anxiety.  Here,  however, 
was  a  happy  display  of  his  native  magnanimity-  --his 
fortitude,  his  patience,  his  submission  to  the  will  of 
Heaven  conspicuously  appeared.  I  have  witness- 
ed his  patient  investigation  of  the  most  interesting 
questions  relating  to  the  welfare  of  the  State,  when, 
as  my  eye  surveyed  his  feeble  body,  I  involuntarily 
started  back,  lest  the  immortal  and  nobler  part 
should  instantaneously  burst  the  brittle  and  decay- 
ing tenement. 

The  fervent  supplications  of  a  thousand  pious 
hearts,  the  tears  of  friends,  the  power  of  medicine, 
the  skill  of  physicians,  the  ardent  wishes  of  a  State 
and  Nation  could  not  save  him.  He  has  gone 
down  to  the  grave  amidst  ten  thousand  prayers  for 
his  precious  life. 

A  recurrence  to  the  various  stations  he  occupied, 
and  his  deportment  therein,  will  afford  an  opportu- 
nity for  a  more  minute  survey  of  his  character. 

His  admission  to  the  bar  was  soon  followed  by 
distinction  as  an  advocate.  I  recollect  to  have 
heard  him  at  the  early  age  of  26,  argue  a  cause  of 
importance,  involving  many  intricate  questions,  be- 
fore the  highest  Court  of  law.  There  was  associ- 
ated with  him  a  gentleman  of  the  first  rank  in  his 
profession.  When  Mr.  Gr  is  wold  closed  his  ar- 
gument, his  associate,  who,   in  course,  was  to  have 

followed  him,  observed  to  the  Court,  that  after  the 

2 


10 

very  able  argument  of  the  very  ingenious  yonn^ 
gentleman  who  had  just  sat  down,  any  observations^ 
from  him  could  answer  no  other  purpose  than  to 
injure  his  client's  cause.  To  a  mind  of  the  first 
order,  he  added  a  competent  share  of  legal  sci- 
ence. Sound  discretion  secured  him  against  doing 
or  saying  any  thing  injurious  to  the  cause  which  he 
espoused.  The  maxim  of  the  great  Roman  ora- 
tor,— "  it  is  fiir  more  disgraceful  to  injure  the 
cause  you  espouse  than  not  to  benefit  it," — no  man 
ever  more  perfectly  comprehended,  and  made  more, 
entirely  his  own.  In  this,  with  great  propriety,  he 
may  be  proposed  as  an  example  to  all,  especially 
the  young  of  this  profession. 

His  sagacity  discovered  to  him  the  strength  of  his 
adversary.  His  wisdom  enabled  him  to  select 
the  best  means  of  attack  or  defence.  His  powers 
of  reasoning,  joined  with  uncommon  frankness  and 
sincerity,  and  a  manner  at  once  conciliating  affec- 
tion and  commanding  respect,  gave  him  a  sure  pass- 
port to  the  understanding  and  the  hearts  of  the 
court  and  jury.  If  he  lost  a  cause  therefore,  it  was 
because  it  was  incapable  of  being  gained  by  integ- 
rity and  talents.  These  qualities,  as  will  be  readi- 
ly seen,  caused  him  to  be  both  beloved  and  admi- 
red. 

At  the  age  of  32  he  became  a  member  of  the 
national  Councils,  and  during  a  period  of  ten  years 
w\is  not  absent  from  his  place  but  a  single  day, 
and  that  by  an  accident  occurring  on  his  way  to  the 


11 

-seat  of  government.  This  period,  as  will  be  well 
remembered,  was  full  of  interest. — It  embraced 
part  of  the  administrations  of  W a shington  and 
Jefferson, and  the  wholeof  that  of  Adams.  Many- 
measures  affecting  the  vital  interests  of  the  nation 
were  discussed,  and  adopted  or  rejected.  These 
originated  in  part  out  of  the  influence  of  the  con- 
flict between  the  European  powers  upon  our  rela- 
tions with  them — and  in  part  from  the  change  of 
administration  at  home.  The  spirit  of  party,  so  of- 
ten and  so  justly  denominated  the  bane  of  free  gov- 
ernments, was  now  no  longer  controuled.  The 
death  of  Washington  unloosed  the  fell  demon 
of  discord,  and  it  has  since  raged  without  restraint. 
At  the  mention  of  the  name  of  Washington, 
I  would  enquire,  if  it  were  not  impious,  ■^^'hat  must 
be  his  feelings,  could  his  pure  and  exalted  spirit 
turn  from  those  glorious  objects  on  which  it  is  oc- 
cupied, and  for^a  moment  take  a  survey  of  this  de- 
based, convulsed  and  distracted  nation ! 

In  all  the  important  measures  just  named,  Mr. 
Griswold  was  constantly  engaged.  Here  he  act- 
ed a  signal  part  with  the  most  distinguished  patri- 
ots of  our  country.  Look  at  the  journals  of  those 
days,  and  you  will  see  that  men  from  all  parts  of  the 
nation,  celebrated  for  their  virtue,  their  knowledge 
and  their  eloquence,  hailed  him  with  pleasure  as  their 
political  friend.  Here  too,  for  several  of  the  last 
years  of  his  Congressional  life,  he  was  in  a  minori- 
tv.     Obstacles,  in  what  he  viewed  the  p^'^^"'^  ^^  ^^^Yt 


12 

ha<l  no  terrors  for  him.  He  met  them  with  that 
patience — that  intrepidity*— that  tranquillity  of  soul 
which  characterize  the  real  giseat  man.  Like  a  per- 
pendicular column,  his  strength  increased  in  pro- 
portion to  the  weight  put  upon  him. 

In  those  times  of  animosity,  he  extorted  even  from 
his  political  adversaries,  an  affection  for  his  worth,  a 
reverence  for  his  pre-eminent  talents.  In  no  conflict 
of  parties  were  they  denied,  or  their  lustre  obscur- 
ed. None  of  his  associates  sousfht  hi^irher  honour 
than  a  station  side  by  side  with  him  in  these  ranks  of 
patriots.  The  people  of  his  native  state,  as  you 
well  know,  marked  his  political  course,  vv  ith  a  vir- 
tuous pride,  and  viewed  his  elevation  in  the  estima- 
tion of  his  country,  with  triumph. 

Is  it  asked  why  he  was  tluis  respected  ?  His  mind, 
with  wonderful  promptness,  penetrated  every  sub- 
ject presented  to  it.  He  sav»-  it  clearly  and  in  all 
its  connexions.  "VMiat  others  gained  by  study  and 
reflection  he  attained  by  intuition.  Having  no  ob- 
liquity of  intention,  he  went  directly  to  his  object. 
To  that  he  adhered — for  that  he  contended  "  like 
a  strone-  man  armed."  He  affected  nothino:  new — 
nothing  singular.  His  life  was  a  stranger  to  every 
thing  bordering  on  affectation.  He  made  no  ex- 
periments. The  measiu'cs  which  resulted  from  the 
nature  of  man,  and  their  political  connexions,  and 
which  had  the  sar.ction  of  the  wisdom  of  ages  in 
their  fa>  our,  satisfied  him. 


13 

The  maxims  which  regulated  his  political  life  were 
founded  on  the  facts,  that  individuals  are  selfish, 
avaricious  and  ambitious — that  communities  are 
composed  of  these  individuals — that  no  proof  is  af- 
forded of  a  renovation  sufficiently  thorough  to  aban- 
don the  restraints  of  law,  or  deny  the  necessity  of 
providing  the  means  of  successful  resistance  to  in- 
ternal or  external  enemies,  or  to  hazard  the  great 
interests  of  a  nation  upon  the  probability  that  a 
spirit  of  justice  will  guide  the  councils  of  others. — 
He  was  proud  to  acknowledge  himself  a  disciple 
in  the  school  of  W a  s  h  i  n  g  t  o  n  . 

In  reviewing  the  life  of  Mr.  Guiswold,  during 
the  period  now  mentioned,  the  impartial  Biographer 
will  assign  him  a  place  in  the  temple  of  fame  with 
the  most  enlightened,  upright  and  virtuous  of  his 
cotemporaries — and  the  time  will  come,  it  surely 
will  arrive  when  his  political  sentiments  will  have 
their  just  influence  in  tlie  councils  of  our  country. 

In  1807  he  was  called  by  the  Legislature  to  fill 
a  place  on  the  bench  of  the  Supreme  and  Superiour 
Court.  This  office  he  accepted  at  the  sacrifice  of 
far  greater  emoluments  arising  from  his  profession- 
al pursuits. 

As  a  Judge,  that  sincerity — that  incorruptible  in- 
tegrity which  adorned  his  life,  eminently  appeared. 
His  very  respectable  associates  on  the  judgment 
seat,  and  the  suitors  and  advocates  who  witness- 
ed his  deportment,  will  testify  that  all  the  vehe- 
mence and  ardour  of  tlie  advocate  were  left  at  the 


14 

bar,  and  that  candour,  patience  and  deliberation 
governed  his  conduct. — His  discernment  and  vir- 
tue were  a  protection  to  the  innocent — the  oppres- 
sor and  the  fraudulent,  like  the  wicked,  were  scat- 
tered with  his  eye.  A  union  of  justice  and  mercy 
will  neither  condemn  the  innocent,  nor  suffer  tlic 
guilty  to  go  unpunished. 

In  1809,  on  the  decease  of  Governour  Trum- 
bull, he  v/as  chosen  Lieutenant  Governour. 
This  office,  though  le^s  lucrative  than  that  of  a 
judge,  he  accepted. 

Thus  we  have  seen  him  repeatedly  yielding  to 
the  wishes  of  his  fellow  citizens,  at  the  expence  of 
his  pecuniary  interest.  Ten  years  of  the  vigour  of 
his  life  were  passed  in  Congress,  to  the  neglect  of 
the  accumulation  of  property.  Circumstanced  as 
he  was,  with  great  propriety  he  might  have  ad- 
dressed his  fellow  citizens  in  the  language  of  Paul, 
*'  I  have  coveted  no  man's  silver  or  gold." 

In  May  1811,  he  was  chosen  Governour  by  the 
freemen.  This  office,  the  first  and  most  honoura- 
ble in  the  State,  he  sustained  with  high  and  in- 
creasing reputation  till  death  terminated  his  earth- 
ly career.  How  he  has  administered  this  Govern- 
ment, you  my  fellow  citizens  know.  You  can 
all  testify  how  he  laboured  to  promote  the  peace 
and  maintain  the  lawful  rights  and  privileges  of  this 
sovereign,  free  and  independent  State. 

His  last,  his  dying  moments,  were  necessarily 
devoted  to   the  pul^lic    interest.     Within  a    few 


15 

weeks  he  has  been  compelled  to  decide  qirestlons 
,  of  the  greatest  magnitude,  and  on  the  decision  of 
V  which  mighty  interests  may  depend.  You  have 
seen  him  meet  these  questions  like  himself.  You 
have  seen  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  assert- 
ing with  his  dying  breath,  his  inflexible  determi- 
nation to  obey  the  constitution  of  the  State  and 
Nation.  Standing,  as  it  were,  on  the  confines  of 
two  worlds,  with  an  affecting  sense  of  his  accoun- 
tablility  in  both,  he  has  given  the  testimony  of  a 
dying  patriot,  and  left  it  on  record,  that  "  He  would 
not  execute  any  order  that  he  judged  repugnant  to 
the  constitution,  from  whatever  source  it  might 
emanate." 

I  have  spoken  of  Governour  Gr  is  wold  in  his 
professional  pursuits,  and  in  his  character  of  a  Le- 
gislator and  Magistrate.  It  remains  that  a  suitable 
tribute  be  paid  to  his  private  virtues.  Was  he 
adorned  with  justice,  truth,  fortitude  and  wisdom  f 
Under  their  guidance  did  he  receive  the  rewards 
of  a  grateful  people  in  the  bestowment  of  the  most 
honourable  and  important  offices  ?  Then  do  we  ex- 
pect to  see  in  him  the  neighbour,  the  friend,  the 
brother,  the  son,  the  father  and  the  husband,  adorn- 
ed with  the  virtues  peculiar  to  those  relations. 
Nor  here  will  our  expectations  be  in  vain.  Wc 
have  no  proof  here  that  there  is  no  connexion  be- 
tween public  and  private  life — that  a  vicious  citi- 
zen may  be  an  excellent  ruler. 


16 

We  will  go  to  his  neighbours — to  those  who 
have  duily  w  itnesed  his  demeanour  in  the  confined 
spheres  of  domestic  hfc.  This  is  a  source  that  will 
not  deceive  us.  Here  are  no  heralds  to  blow  the 
trumpet  of  fame — no  courtiers  to  blazon  forth  a 
thousand  virtues  which  he  never  possessed — no 
cringing  sycophants  to  clothe  villains  in  the  gai-b  of 
integrity,  and  palm  uj)on  the  world  painted  hypo- 
crites as  the  most  worthy  of  public  confidence.  In 
the  absence  of  these  detestable  means  of  fraud  and 
deception,  the  glitter  of  office,  the  splendour  which 
surrounds  those  in  exalted  stations,  often  dazzles 
and  confounds.  Would  you  know  then  whether 
a  man  be  sincere,  humane  and  charitable,  enquire 
of  those  who  have  witnessed  his  down  sitting  and 
uprising,  not  of  those  who  have  seen  him  merely  in 
the  senate  chamber  or  chair  of  state,  or  who  have 
received  his  salutations  in  the  market  places  ;  but 
of  tliose  who  have  met  him  when  going  out  and 
coming  in.  To  these  best  of  all  witnesses  ^ve  ap- 
peal. Here  again  the  character  of  our  beloved 
Chief  Magistrate  will  not  shun  a  comparison  with 
those  of  the  wise  and  good.  See  the  eyes  which 
are  yet  weeping  in  his  native  tovv'u.  Enquire  if 
he  ever  refused  to  contribute  liberally  for  the  pro- 
motion of  objects  of  public  utility  ?  Ask  the  poor,  the 
naked,  the  hungry  and  the  friendless,  if  they  have 
been  sent  empty  away  from  his  house,  with  a  "  be- 
ye  warmed  and  be  ye  clothed,"  they  will  answer 
you  with  sighs  and  tcais  for  the  loss  of  their  bene- 


17 

factor — ask  his  neighbours  if,  while  he  was  invest- 
ed with  the  robes  of  office,  he  forgot  those  in  the 
humble  walks  of  life,  they  will  reply  that  they  have 
lost  a  friend  and  a  counsellor---Ask  the  afflicted 
brothers  and  sister  how  he  sustained  that  interest- 
ing relation,  they  will  exclaim,alas  !  our  brother--- 
Ask  the  bereaved  children  to  tell  you  their  grief, 
they  cannot  answer  ;  "  they  are  sorrowing  most  of 
all  that  they  shall  see  his  face  no  more."  Look  at 
the  house  lately  the  seat  of  joy  and  rejoicing,  and 
you  will  hear  only  the  accents  of  lamentation  and 
woe— Ask  her  "who  sits  solitary  as  a  widow,"  to  de- 
scribe her  loss,  she  will  reply,  "  Lover  and  friend 
hast  thou  put  far  from  me,  and  mine  acquaintance 
into  darkness  ;  have  pity  upon  me,  have  pity  up- 
on me,  O  ye  my  friends,  for  the  hand  of  God  hath 
touched  me." 

Is  it  asked  whether  he  was  a  christian  ?  That  is 
known  only  to  God  and  his  own  heart.  Those 
who  knew  him  best  believe  that  he  was  satisfied  of 
the  truth  and  divinity  of  the  scriptures,  and  of  the 
great  doctrines  of  revelation.  This  they  believe 
because  they  have  heard  it  from  his  lips — lips  which 
never  deceived.  This  he  declared  not  from  osten- 
tation, for  no  man  was  ever  less  ostentatious  than 
GovernourGRiswoLD.  He  could  not  declare  it  to 
deceive,  for  no  man  ever  had  less  disguise.  His 
tongue  and  his  heart  were  never  at  variance.  His 
soul  abhorred  the  appearance  of  dissimulation.  In 
these  declarations,  and  a  corresponding  life,  they  re- 
pose with  confidence. 

Such  was  the  man  whose  death  we  this  day  la- 
ment.— Such  were  his  virtues  as  a  neighbour,  a 


18 

friend,  a  pai^ent— a  husband.  Sueh  was  his  life  at 
the  bar — such  were  his  services,  his  exahed  worth 
in  the  senate,  on  the  seat  of  justice,  and  in  the  chair 
of  state. 

How  shall  we  estimate  his  Ios3?  To  his  family 
it  is  irreparable — to  the  State  it  as  great  as  could 
have  been  suffered  in  the  death  of  any  individual. 
To  the  Nation  we  may  truly  say,  "  a  great  man  hath 
fallen  this  day."  To  his  friends  there  is  much  so- 
lace in  the  knowledge  that  his  memory,  endeared  to 
his  numerous  acquaintance,  is  embalmed  in  the  af- 
fections of  a  grateful  people  ;  and  his  name  will  go 
down  to  posterity  enrolled  with  the  great,  the  wise 
and  the  good. 

Talents  directed  by  virtue  and  wisdom  are  ex- 
tensive blessings  to  the  public.  Treasures  like  thesq 
far  surpass  in  value  those  of  silver  and  gold.  The 
latter  are  not  unfrequently  the  instruments  of  mighty 
mischiefs,  while  the  former,like  the  sun  in  the  heav- 
ens, appear  only  to  animate  and  to  bless. 

The  friend  to  his  country  views,  in  the  death  of 
such  a  man  as  Governour  Geiswold,  substantial 
ground  of  sorrow.  This  community  sustains  a 
heavy  loss- --the  nation  justly  mourns. 

These  sentiments  would  be  just  in  times  of  na- 
tional prosperity.  With  what  force  then  do  they  af- 
fect us  in  this  day  of  the  perplexity  of  nations ! 

At  no  time  since  the  deluge  has  this  world  been 
so  convulsed.  On  the  continent  of  Europe  for  the 
last  twenty  years,  "the  confused  noise  of  the  battle  of 
the  warriour"  has  been  every  where  heard,  and 
*' garments  have  every  where  been  seen  rolled  in 
blcod."— The  blood  which  has  been  shed  has  "  flow- 


19 

ed  lip  to  the  horse's  bridles,"  and  whole  provinces 
are  converted  into  Golgothas.  Events  stupendous 
ill  their  nature  have  succeeded  each  other  in  rapid 
succession ;  and  the  wisest  of  men,  unable  to  discov- 
er their  causes  by  human  research,  are  ready  to 
pronounce  them  miracles. 

The  patriot  has,  while  viewing  this  scene  of  de- 
solation afar  oiF,  hoped  that  this  western  world 
might  remain  "unhurt  amidst  this  war  of  ele- 
ments." His  hopes  are  now  blasted.  A  war,  al- 
ready calamitous,  and  portentous  of  still  greater 
evils,  is  waged.  In  every  part  of  this  gi'eat  repub- 
lic, evils  beset  us,  and  the  prospect  is  every  hour 
becoming  more  gloomy.  An  hour  like  this  de- 
mands the  v/isdom  of  the  wisest  men.  A  grateful 
people  spontaneously  turn  their  eyes  to  the  tomb  of 
Gr  IS  WOLD,  and  exclaim,  "The  chariots  of  Israel 
and  the  horsemen  thereof." 

But  we  will  not  repine.  While  mingling  our  tears 
with  those  of  the  people  of  the  State,  and  while  sym- 
pathizing with  those  who  bewail  the  sundering  of 
the  tenderest  ties  of  nature  and  affection,  it  becomes 
us  to  bow  with  perfect  submission  to  the  will  of 
Heaven.  "  The  Judge  of  all  the  earth  will  do  right." 

My  Fellow  Citizens^ 
We  are  assembled  to  commemorate  the  virtues 
ofagi'eatand  good  man.  To  consecrate  his  me- 
mory is  a  duty  which  gratitude  enjoins.  His  ex- 
ample also  should  inspire  the  living  with  a  noble 
emulation  to  attain  the  excellence  which  he  reach- 
ed. We  speak  not  to  him — we  shall  see  his  face 
no  more.  The  darkness  of  death  conceals  him 
from  our  eyes.     We  speak  of  him — we  cherish 


20 

with  the  best  affections  of  our  hearts  his  well  earn- 
ed fame  ; — because  we  would  not  be  ungrateful, 
and  because  we  would  exhibit  an  example  worthy 
of  imitation. 

In  contemplating  the  life  of  our  friend,  how  much 
instruction  is  imparted  to  survivors  !  Are  there  in 
in  this  numerous  assembly  many  who  are  now  just 
entering  on  that  profession  which  he  adorned  ? — to 
you  we  present  an  advocate  for  a  model.  His  prob- 
ity, his  industry  in  understanding  his  client's 
cause,  his  luminous  arrangement,  his  clear  and  per- 
suasive reasoning,  his  abhorrence  of  every  thing 
which  in  the  view  of  honourable  men  would  reflect 
disgrace  on  the  profession,  should  be  remembered 
as  among  the  means  of  becoming  truly  eminent. 
Are  there  not  those  uniting  in  the  solemnities  of 
this  day  who  intend  to  devote  their  talents  to  the 
state  and  nation  in  directing  their  councils  ?  Re- 
view the  life  of  Gov.  Griswold  while  in  Con- 
gress. He  made  himself  master  of  the  measures 
of  our  national  government  from  its  first  operation. 
He  perfectly  understood  all  its  complicated  move- 
ments. No  mechanic  was  ever  more  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  various  parts  of  his  machine.  This 
knowledge,  vv^ith  a  strong  judgment  and  clear  percep- 
tion, enabled  him  to  see  and  pronounce  on  the  true 
policy  of  the  nation.  When,  therefore,  he  spoke, 
he  was  listened  to  with  profound  attention.  His  in- 
fluence was  not  exceeded  by  that  of  any  other  man. 
His  political  enemies  awarded  to  him  the  praise  of 
acting  uprightly,  and  under  the  direction  of  an  en- 
lightened mind.  Do  you  ask  if  he  was  eloquent  ? 
He  sought  none  of  the  blandishing  arts  of  persua- 


21 


sion.  He  never  spoke  to  invite  his  hearers  to  look 
at  him,  or  regard  the  tones  of  his  voice.  He  spoke 
plain,  yet  forcible  language,  in  a  plain  and  natural 
manner.  He  pronounced  important  truths,  that 
that  they  might  be  understood  and  regarded.  He 
spoke  to  secure  the  interests  of  his  country,  not  to 
be  pronounced  an  orator. 

In  the  still  more  important  characters  of  Judge 
and  Chief  Magistrate,  he  is  a  like  patern  of  supe- 
riour  excellence.  Had  he  friends  in  whom  he  con- 
fided, and  whom  he  loved — whom  he  met  without 
reserve,  and  to  whom  his  heart  was  ever  op^? 
Yes,  as  many  who  hear  me  now  are  proud  to  tes- 
tify. But  as  the  head  and  representative  of  this 
commonwealth,  he  had  no  favourites.  His  duty 
was  paramount  to  all  partial  and  private  interests. 
This  he  performed  fearlessly  in  the  face  of  the 
world ;  he  made  no  professions  of  superiour  integri- 
ty, nor  of  the  purity  of  his  views,  nor  of  great  zeal 
for  the  public  good  ;  but  his  administration  was  an 
affecting  appeal  to  heaven, — "  Till  1  die.I  will  not  re- 
move mine  integrity  from  me — my  heart  shall  not 
reproach  me  so  long  as  I  live."  He  has  received 
his  earthly  reward,  .for  "  when  the  ear  heard  him, 
it  blessed  him — when  the  eye  saw  him,  it  gave  wit- 
ness to  him.  His  judgment  was  as  a  robe  and  a 
diadem." 

And  now,  my  friends,  shall  such  a  character  be 
presented  on  this  occasion,  and  in  this  place,  with- 
out inspiring  a  noble  emulation?  Shall  they  to 
whom  is  confided  the  solemn  duties  of  providing 
for  the  peace,  honour  aad  safety  of  this  State,  re- 
ceive no  instruction  in  the  death  of  their  illustrious 


Chief  ?  Do  they  who  compose  this  General  Assem- 
bly,  aspire  to  the  honour  of  serving  their  country 
in  places  of  trust — do  they  wish  for  a  name  which 
shall  outlive  the  ensigns  of  poAver — especially  are 
they  ambitious  of  the  greatest  glory  of  man,  doing 
good,  and  do  they  ask  for  the  road  ?  Let  us  go  to 
the  GRAVE  OF  Griswold  ; — dark  and  gloomy  as 
it  is,  there  is  a  lamp  lighted  up,  directing  our  feet 
in  the  path  of  true  glory  and  honour. 

We  have  seen  a  fellow  citizen  in  the  meridian  of 
life,  full  of  honours,  while  forming  plans  for  the  ed- 
ucation and  happiness  of  a  numerous  family,  and 
for  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  State,  "cut  down 
and  withered  like  grass."  Are  not  a  thousand 
tongues  ready  in  this  house  to  attest  the  truth  of 
revelation,  and  pronounce  "verily  man  at  his  best 
estate  is  altogether  vanity."  Nor  is  this  a  solitary 
example  ot  this  truth.  This  occasion  is  the  secoTid 
within  three  years,  in  which  we  have  witnessed  tlie 
place  of  Govemour  vacant  by  death.  "While  the 
wounds  made  by  the  death  of  Governour  Trum- 
bull were  as  yet  open,  they  are  caused  to  bleed 
anew.  Rarely  has  a  state  been  called  to  bewail  the 
loss  of  two  such  excellent  men  in  so  short  a  period. 
They  will  be  followed  by  those  who  have  been  as- 
sociated with  them.  In  the  inconsiderable  space 
x)f  twenty  or  twenty-five  years,  our  State  and  Na- 
tional Legislature,  our  Courts  of  Justice,  and  all  the 
departments  of  Government,  change  their  occu- 
pants, at  the  command  of  the  angel  of  death. — 
These  will  all  meet  in  a  far  more  illustrious  assem- 
bly, at  a  far  more  glorious  tribunal  than  this  world 
ever  witnessed. 


23 

Shall  this  occasion  pass  without  an  attempt  in  the 
speaker  to  inspire  this  whole  assembly  with  new 
and  more  unceasing  efforts  in  behalf  of  our  belov- 
ed country  ?  It  is  a  "  day  of  darkness,  of  clouds  and 
and  thick  darkness."  The  most  enlightened  heads 
are  bewildered  at  the  great  events  every  where  dis- 
closed ; — dismay  fills  the  countenances — the  stout- 
est hearts  are  appalled.  The  resources  of  our 
country  exhausted — its  commerce  annihilated — in- 
ternal divisions  embittering  private  life,  and  spread- 
ing a  leprosy  over  the  whole  body  politic — a  fron- 
tier of  great  extent  exposed  to  the  enemy.  Al- 
ready has  the  war-whoop  of  the  savage  awaked  the 
infant  in  his  cradle— -the  delicate  female,  flying 
from  the  brutal  savage,  faints  to  see  her  husband 
bleeding  under  the  scalping  knife  and  tomahawk. 
The  eye  is  pained  at  the  sight,  and  the  heart  is 
sickened. 

The  remedies  for  these  mighty  evils  are  not  at 
our  command.  To  the  nation  is  entrusted  these 
momentous  concerns.  True — But  we  have  a  vine 
to  protect,  which  our  fathers  planted.  We  have 
an  inheritance  fairer  than  merchandize,  farms,  and 
*'  cattle  on  a  thousand  hills" — an  inheritance  of  insti- 
tutions, civil,  social  and  religious,  calculated  to 
make  us  wiser  and  better.  This  inheritance  was 
purchased  by  some  of  the  best  blood  of  the  best 
men ; — it  is  consecrated  by  the  tears  and  prayers  of 
our  fathers.  It  is  in  jeopardy — so  it  has  been  a 
thousand  times.  It  has  been  rescued  hitherto,  and 
preserved  '*  until  the  indignation  hath  passed  by." 
This  inheritance  is  committed  to  you — it  is  a  pre- 
cious deposit.    By  your  veneration  for  your  ances- 


24 


tors — by  your  reverence  for  these  institutions — by 
your  affection  for  the  memory  of  the  "  best  of  pat- 
riots and  most  beloved  of  citizens,"  I  conjure 
you  to  defend  and  transmit  to  your  children,  invio- 
late, this  glorious  inheritance.  "Though  a  host 
should  encamp  against  us,  yet  will  we  not  fear." 


THE  LIBR  AA    000  876  1 1 1 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

Santa  Barbara 


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